Purdue tight end Gabe Holmes missed the final 10 games of the 2013 season because of a wrist injury and wasn't around during spring practice, focusing on trying to graduate.

"That's where I've been, in my books, working and just being behind the scenes," the fifth-year senior said.

Holmes is more than ready to be out front again when coach Darrell Hazell's second training camp begins Monday.

The Florida native suffered a dislocated left wrist in practice prior to the Sept. 14 Notre Dame game and was lost for the season. The injury served as a hidden blessing.

"Once I got hurt, we figured out we would have another year to play but I had to graduate in order to do it," said Holmes, who signed with Purdue in 2009 but didn't enroll in school until January 2010, because of an issue with the NCAA Clearinghouse. "I was taking a math class last fall that I didn't pass. Once I didn't pass it, we figured something out.

"I was enrolled at a class at Purdue just to be eligible but coach Hazell didn't want me to do that. He wanted me to focus on the classes I had to take to graduate."

Holmes took an organizational leadership and supervision class — his major — and enrolled in two classes at Ivy Tech in management and math. He finished his last exam Thursday and is expecting to graduate when summer school ends Friday. Holmes won't go through the graduation ceremony until December because the team's first two-a-day practice is Saturday, the same day as the summer school ceremony.

If Holmes didn't suffer the wrist injury, it's unlikely he would've finished his degree because of his desire to play in the NFL.

"Hopefully, I won't get hurt again but I'm glad it did happen. If it didn't, I would've played through the season, went somewhere and worked out. I don't know when I would've come back and got that degree," he said. "It put me in a position where I can come back for a better season and I can get my degree, which is why I came here in the first place."

Holmes has always been considered one of the team's most gifted players, but hasn't shown it consistently throughout his career. His 6-foot-5, 258-pound frame is appealing, but Hazell and offensive coordinator John Shoop need to see more.

He had an opportunity last year. Holmes was one of three players at Big Ten media day representing Purdue, a sign the coaching staff believed in his athletic talent and his ability to be a leader.

Now, Holmes has to earn his starting position again and will be competing with Justin Sinz and Dolapo Macarthy, who was converted from receiver in the spring. Holmes has been practicing with his teammates all summer.

"I told myself the 2014 season was going to be the best year of my life. I'll get my degree and become one of the best tight ends in the country," said Holmes, who has 46 career catches and three touchdowns. "I'll get my degree — my job is half done. I'm just trying to help the best I can and not step on anybody's toes."

Shoop said Sinz, Holmes and Macarthy are in position to have a big season in terms of receptions.

"Gabe gives us a chance to maybe get more down the field, but all three of those guys should be strong against any type of zone coverage. Gabe and Dolapo have the ability to be doggone good again man-to-man. If they're running against a linebacker or safety, we expect them to beat them pretty good," Shoop said.

This and that

As expected, Ohio offensive lineman Martesse Patterson reported to camp after missing summer school to finish up academically. Meanwhile, Florida safety Juan Jenkins did not report because of academics. ... Sunday the players moved into the dorms where they'll spend the next three weeks. ... Hazell makes all the roommate assignments. ... Freshman Gelen Robinson begins camp playing the weakside linebacker position and classmate Ja'Whaun Bentley is at the middle linebacker position.